TxDOT said the fatal crash blocked the northbound lanes of Interstate 35 at St. Johns Avenue in Austin. The lanes reopened at around 9:30 a.m.

Author:
Chelsea Cunningham

Published:
7:06 AM CDT October 12, 2018

Updated:
2:29 PM CDT October 12, 2018

AUSTIN — A man in his 30s reportedly died after he was hit by a car while crossing Interstate 35 in North Austin Friday morning. And Austin police are using the tragedy to give advice to drivers who see pedestrians trying to cross the road.

According to police, the man crossed the 6000 block of the interstate when a car traveling in the inside lane hit him. Medics said the man died on the scene.

The roadway in the 6300 block of north I-35 northbound was shut down before the lanes reopened at around 9:30 a.m.

Austin police held a press conference later in the day Friday. They said that the investigation into the crash is ongoing, but that there are no charges pending against the driver at this time.

So far in 2018, Austin police said they have responded to 23 crashes involving pedestrians and cars.

"If you see individuals on the highway, and they’re trying to cross, that is a 911 call, that is not a 311 call," an officer with Austin police said at the press conference. "Call the police immediately, and an officer will respond. Because we are trying to save a life and no driver should have to live with the fact that they hit somebody."